Farms, Schools, Art & MGMT.

What do farms, schools, art and MGMT have in common?

Not much til my rad friend Mark Macinnis brought 'em all together for a sick benefit event this Saturday. Mark directed an incredible film called Urban Roots about the urban farming movement.

Artist Anthony James was then inspired to create some pretty amazing sculptures.

James and Mark are now working to raise money to establish farms in underprivileged urban schools through the Field of Dreams initiative.

And Ben Goldwasser of MGMT will be joining the guys this Saturday night in Venice to raise some money for the program.

I'd tell you to join. But I'm sure you already realize you should. See you there.

MOMAI
711 Hampton Drive
Venice, CA 90291

Saturday, December 3
7 - 11 p

Buy your tickets online.

Summer time & the living's easy (and wet).

I have been working like a mad woman--a woman so mad she is working more hours than most spend awake in any given week. But I have noticed, during brief strolls outside for lunch, that the weather is turning in Los Angeles. And though I may not have a free hour before summer's over, temperatures have reached bikini highs. So, in honor of the leisure hours I wish I had, here are some pools to get your summer started right. Which is warm. And wet.

Annenberg Community Beach House

This community center opened last year and features a pool, splash pad, volleyball and more. The pool is open for a 'Spring Break Splash on select days this month and will then reopen in June. No membership is required but be sure to arrive early to purchase your day pass ($10 for adults with a break for families of 4 at $24).

Interesting factoid: the Annenberg Community Beach House was established at the former site of actress Marion Davies' mansion, built for her by William Randolph Hearst. Oh, how it pays to be the mistress of a wealthy man.

The Standard Hotel Hollywood

If you actually want to get in the water, I recommend stopping by on a weekday or calling ahead to make sure there's not a rowdy party going on. There's nothing quite like water, ping pong and The Standard's 'Mimosa for Two' (for only $20!!) served poolside.

Hotel Erwin

Hotel Erwin may not actually have a pool. But it's right atop the ocean and last I checked that's pretty much the biggest pool you can get down with. Start with drinks at the High Rooftop Lounge and when you've had your fill of mojitos, [safely] take your dip in the great wide open Venice beach. Just be sure not to trip over tourists or needles on the way down to the water.

The RSVP Line (Weekend Edition): MOD + Tarfest + Abbot Kinney Festival

It's the mother f+cking weekend. Do you know where you'll be spending it?

SATURDAY, September 26

* TARFEST is back this weekend and bringing culture to Mid-Wilshire. This year, the fest's Saturday musical programming is curated by none other than our buddy Mark Sovel of Indie 103.1 fame. Local artists--The Deadly Syndrome, The Polyamorous Affair and others will rock out at the El Rey. Despite the lack of actual tar at this fest, we're fans. Visit Tarfest for details.

* The Love Movement is a group of artists that creates some of the sickest art I'm proud to hang on my very own walls. Go pick up your own TLM piece this Saturday at THE HUMAN PYRAMIDS ARTIST COLLECTIVE at Ghettogloss Gallery. They'll be showing with a bunch of other awesome artists. Making the world prettier one painting at a time. Go support artists.

* Also on Saturday, you can brave the Grove for panels with some of LA's most premiere design and fashion peeps at MOD: MATTERS ON DESIGN. I'm not advocating a trip to the Grove. I'm just telling you it's an option.

SUNDAY, September 27

What's green, musical and West of La Brea? The ABBOT KINNEY FESTIVAL. Amongst the awesome talent booked for this Venice fest are friends, The 87 Stick Up Kids. Don't miss 'em. Get your bike, your birkenstocks and your patience for crowds ready for a day in Venice. Get the schedule here.

Go forth and get cultured. Happy weekend.